U.S. patent application number 14/503110 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for meta guiding interface for an e-reading device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kobo Inc.. Invention is credited to Vanessa Ghosh, Benjamin Landau.
Application Number | 20160092060 14/503110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55584394 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160092060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Landau; Benjamin ; et
al. |
March 31, 2016 |
META GUIDING INTERFACE FOR AN E-READING DEVICE
Abstract
A meta guiding mode can be implemented on a computing device to
alter or disable touch inputs that the computing device otherwise
recognizes as input.
Inventors: |
Landau; Benjamin; (Toronto,
CA) ; Ghosh; Vanessa; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kobo Inc. |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
55584394 |
Appl. No.: |
14/503110 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/776 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/00335 20130101;
G09B 21/008 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101; G06F 3/0483 20130101;
G06F 3/017 20130101; G06F 3/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0488 20060101
G06F003/0488; G06F 3/0483 20060101 G06F003/0483; G06F 3/0484
20060101 G06F003/0484 |
Claims
1. A computing device comprising: a display assembly including a
display screen, and a set of sensors that are arranged relative to
the display screen to detect user contact with a surface of the
display screen; a memory resource to store sensor configuration
data for the set of sensors of the display assembly, including (i)
a default set of configuration data, and (ii) an alternative set of
configuration data; a processor that operates to: execute an
e-reading component to render an e-book; when operated in a default
mode, use the default set of configuration data to interpret
multiple types of touch input on the display screen, including
touch inputs in which a finger or object is moved while in
continuous contact with a region of the display screen; and when
operated in a meta guiding mode, use an alternative set of
configuration data to ignore at least some types of touch inputs,
including touch inputs that move a finger or object while in
continuous contact with a region of the display screen.
2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the meta guiding mode
is enabled only when the computing device launches the e-reading
application.
3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein when operated in the
meta guiding mode, the processor uses the alternative set of
configuration data to ignore or disable all touch inputs.
4. The computing device of claim 3, wherein when operated in the
meta guiding mode, the processor automates page transition
events.
5. The computing device of claim 4, wherein the processor operates
to: determine a reading speed; and automate page transition events
based on the determined reading speed.
6. The computing device of claim 4, wherein when operated in the
meta guiding mode, the processor automates page transition events
by generating a graphical tracker object feature that tracks lines
of text on pages of the rendered e-book.
7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein a tracking speed of the
graphical tracker object feature is adjustable based on user
input.
8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein when operated in the
meta guiding mode, the processor implements the alternative set of
configuration data to ignore touch contact appearing in at least
select portions of the display screen.
9. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more
processors use the default set of configuration data to provide for
individual or collective sensor sensitivity that is more sensitive
than that of using the alternative set of configuration data.
10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more
processors process a swipe input action on the display screen as a
page transition event when operating in the default mod, and
wherein the one or more processors process a tap input on the
display screen as a page transition even when operating in the meta
guiding mode.
11. A method for operating a computing device, the method being
implemented by one or more processors and comprising: storing
multiple sets of sensor configuration data on the computing device,
including a default set of configuration data and an alternative
set of configuration data, wherein the default set of configuration
data includes data that is executable by the one or more processors
to interpret multiple types of touch input on the display screen,
including touch inputs in which a finger or object is displaced on
a region of the display screen; executing an e-reading application
to render content from an e-book; and in response to a user input,
operating in a meta guiding mode including executing the
alternative set of configuration data to cause the one or more
processors to ignore at least some types of touch input, including
touch input that displaces a finger or object on a region of the
display screen.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising enabling meta
guiding mode only when the computing device launches the e-reading
application.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising using the
alternative set of configuration data to ignore or disable all
touch inputs when operating in the meta guiding mode.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising automating page
transition events when operating in the meta guiding mode.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein automating page transition
events includes: determining a reading speed; and automating a page
transition events based on the determined reading speed.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein automating page transition
events includes generating a graphical tracker object feature that
tracks lines of text on pages of the rendered e-book.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein generating the graphical
tracker object feature includes responding to user input to adjust
a speed of the graphical tracker object feature.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein when operated in the meta
guiding mode, the processor implements the alternative set of
configuration data to ignore touch contact appearing in at least
select portions of the display screen.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the default set of
configuration data provides for individual or collective sensor
sensitivity that is more sensitive than that of the second set of
configuration data.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium for use with one or
more processors of a computing device, the non-transitory
computer-readable medium comprising: multiple sets of sensor
configuration data on the computing device, including a default set
of configuration data and an alternative set of configuration data,
wherein the default set of configuration data includes data that is
executable by the one or more processors to interpret multiple
types of touch input on the display screen, including touch inputs
in which a finger or object is displaced on a region of a display
screen, and wherein the alternative set of configuration data
includes data that is executable by the one or more processors to
ignore at least some types of touch input, including touch input
that displaces a finger or object on a region of the display
screen; executing an e-reading application to render content from
an e-book; and in response to a user input, operating in a meta
guiding mode including executing the alternative set of
configuration data to cause the one or more processors to ignore at
least some types of touch input, including touch input that
displaces a finger or object on a region of the display screen.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Examples described herein relate to an e-reading device, and
more specifically, to a meta guiding interface for an e-reading
device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An electronic personal display is a mobile electronic device
that displays information to a user. While an electronic personal
display is generally capable of many of the functions of a personal
computer, a user can typically interact directly with an electronic
personal display without the use of a keyboard that is separate
from or coupled to but distinct from the electronic personal
display itself. Some examples of electronic personal displays
include mobile digital devices/tablet computers such (e.g., Apple
iPad.RTM., Microsoft.RTM. Surface.TM., Samsung Galaxy Tab.RTM. and
the like), handheld multimedia smartphones (e.g., Apple
iPhone.RTM., Samsung Galaxy S.RTM., and the like), and handheld
electronic readers (e.g., Amazon Kindle.RTM., Barnes and Noble
Nook.RTM., Kobo Aura HD, and the like).
[0003] An electronic reader, also known as an e-reader device, is
an electronic personal display that is used for reading electronic
books (eBooks), electronic magazines, and other digital content.
For example, digital content of an e-book is displayed as
alphanumeric characters and/or graphic images on a display of an
e-reader such that a user may read the digital content much in the
same way as reading the analog content of a printed page in a
paper-based book. An e-reader device provides a convenient format
to store, transport, and view a large collection of digital content
that would otherwise potentially take up a large volume of space in
traditional paper format.
[0004] In some instances, e-reader devices are purpose-built
devices designed to perform especially well at displaying readable
content. For example, a purpose built e-reader device includes a
display that reduces glare, performs well in highly lit conditions,
and/or mimics the look of text on actual paper. While such purpose
built e-reader devices excel at displaying content for a user to
read, they can also perform other functions, such as displaying
images, emitting audio, recording audio, and web surfing, among
others.
[0005] There also exist numerous kinds of consumer devices that can
receive services and resources from a network service. Such devices
can operate applications or provide other functionality that links
the device to a particular account of a specific service. For
example, e-reader devices typically link to an online bookstore,
and media playback devices often include applications which enable
the user to access an online media library. In this context, the
user accounts can enable the user to receive the full benefit and
functionality of the device.
[0006] Meta guiding is the visual guiding of the eye using a finger
or pointer, such as a pen, in order for the eye to move faster
along the length of a passage of text and increase
comprehension/focus. Meta guiding is a technique that has been used
for many years with reading print books.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a system that utilizes an e-reading
device that can operate in a meta guiding mode, according to an
embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an e-reading device for use
with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an e-reading system that is capable of
providing a meta guiding mode, according to one or more
embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates an example method for operating an
e-reading device to provide a meta guiding mode, according to an
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates an example method for operating an
e-reading device to provide a meta guiding mode on which a graphic
tracking object feature is provided, according to an
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate examples of tracking objects
for use with an e-reading device that is operable in a meta guiding
mode, according to one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] According to some embodiments, a computing device having a
touch-sensitive display assembly is operable as an e-reading device
that can implement a meta guiding mode for e-reading activity. In
particular, the meta guiding mode can be implemented on the
computing device without interference from a touch-sensitive
display, when the touch-sensitivity of the display would otherwise
generate inadvertent input as a result of a user continuously
moving his finger over a display screen.
[0014] In an embodiment, a meta guiding mode can be implemented on
a computing device to after or disable touch inputs that the
computing device otherwise recognizes as input. In a variation, the
computing device can implement the meta guiding mode by automating
page transition events. Still further, in other embodiments, the
computing device can implement the meta guiding mode by generating
a graphic tracker object that moves under lines of text from the
e-book.
[0015] In some embodiments, a computing device includes a display
assembly, a memory resource and a processor. The memory resource
stores sensor configuration data for the set of sensors of the
display assembly, including (i) a default set of configuration
data, and (ii) an alternative set of configuration data. The
processor operates to execute an e-reading component in order to
render an e-book. When operated in a default mode, the processor
uses the default set of configuration data to interpret multiple
types of touch input on the display screen, including touch inputs
in which a finger or object is moved while in continuous contact
with a region of the display screen. When operated in the meta
guiding mode, the processor uses an alternative set of
configuration data to ignore at least some types of touch inputs,
including touch inputs that correspond to a finger or object
movement that is in continuous contact with a region of the display
screen.
[0016] "Sensor configuration data" refers to data that determines
how sensor values will be interpreted by a processor. Among other
examples, sensor configuration data can reflect when and if sensor
values are recognized as input, as well as what kinds of input
actions are detected as input.
[0017] An "e-reading device" can refer to any computing device that
can display or otherwise render an e-book. By way of example, an
e-reading device can include a mobile computing device on which an
e-reading application can be executed to render content that
includes e-books (e.g., comic books, magazines etc.). Such mobile
computing devices can include, for example, a mufti-functional
computing device for cellular telephony/messaging (e.g., feature
phone or smart phone), a tablet device, an ultramobile computing
device, or a wearable computing device with a form factor of a
wearable accessory device (e.g., smart watch or bracelet, glass
ware integrated with computing device, etc.). As another example,
an e-reading device can include an e-reader device, such as a
purpose-built device that is optimized for e-reading experience
(e.g., with E-ink displays etc.).
[0018] One or more embodiments described herein provide that
methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are
performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented method.
Programmatically means through the use of code, or
computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performed step
may or may not be automatic.
[0019] One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented
using programmatic modules or components. A programmatic module or
component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a
program, or a software or a hardware component capable of
performing one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, a
module or component can exist on a hardware component independently
of other modules or components. Alternatively, a module or
component can be a shared element or process of other modules,
programs or machines.
[0020] Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein may be
implemented through instructions that are executable by one or more
processors. These instructions may be carried on a
computer-readable medium. Machines shown or described with figures
below provide examples of processing resources and
computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing
embodiments of the invention can be carried and/or executed. In
particular, the numerous machines shown with embodiments of the
invention include processor(s) and various forms of memory for
holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable
mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard
drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer
storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD
units, flash or solid state memory (such as carried on many cell
phones and consumer electronic devices) and magnetic memory.
Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices
such as cell phones) are all examples of machines and devices that
utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on
computer-readable mediums. Additionally, embodiments may be
implemented in the form of computer-programs, or a computer usable
carrier medium capable of carrying such a program.
[0021] System Description
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a system that utilizes an e-reading
device that can operate in a meta guiding mode, according to an
embodiment. The network service 120 may include multiple servers
and other computing resources that provide various services in
connection with one or more applications that are installed on the
e-reading device 110. By way of example, in one implementation, the
network service 120 can provide e-book services which communicate
with corresponding e-reading functionality provided on the
e-reading device 110. The e-book services can enable e-books
(including electronic magazines and other periodicals) to be
downloaded or archived from e-reading device 110. The network
service 120 can also provide other forms of content for download or
streaming, such as videos or music. In this way, the network
service 120 can provide various other content services, including
content rendering services (e.g., streaming media) or other
network-application environments or services.
[0023] The e-reading device 110 can correspond to any electronic
personal display device having a touch-sensitive display assembly,
and further on which applications and application resources (e.g.,
e-books, media files, and documents) can be rendered and consumed.
For example, the e-reading device 110 can correspond to a tablet or
a telephony/messaging device (e.g., smart phone). In one
implementation, for example, e-reading device 110 can correspond to
a mobile computing device (e.g., tablet) that runs an e-reading
application to link the device to the network service 120 in order
to enable e-books provided through the service to be viewed and
consumed. Still further, by way of example, the e-reading device
110 can be equipped with hardware and software to optimize certain
application activities, such as rendering of electronic content
(e.g., e-books, including electronic magazines and other
periodicals). For example, the e-reading device 110 can have a
tablet like form factor, although variations are possible. In some
cases, the e-reading device 110 can also have an E-ink display with
touch or contact sensors.
[0024] In additional detail, the network service 120 can include a
device interface 128, a resource store 122 and a user account store
124. The user account store 124 can associate the e-reading device
110 with a user and with an account 125. The account 125 can also
be associated with one or more application resources (e.g., content
item such as an e-books), which can be stored in the resource store
122. As described further, the user account store 124 can retain
metadata for individual accounts 125 to identify resources that
have been purchased or made available for consumption for a given
account. The e-reading device 110 may be associated with the user
account 125, and multiple devices may be associated with the same
account. As described in greater detail below, the e-reading device
110 can store resources (e.g., e-books) that are purchased or
otherwise made available to the user of the e-reading device 110,
as well as to archive e-books and other digital content items that
have been purchased for the user account 125, but are not stored on
the particular computing device.
[0025] The e-reading device 110 can include a service interface 112
and an e-reading component 114. The e-reading device 110 can
execute the service interface 112 to receive resources and data
from the network service 120. The service interface 112 can signal,
to the network service 120, an identifier for the user and/or user
account. The service interface 112 can interface with the network
service 120 to receive resources such as applications and content
items (e.g., e-books, music files, etc.) from the network service.
Optionally, the e-reading device 110 can communicate with multiple
services in order to receive resources. The resources that can be
received can be responsive to user-input or action (e.g.,
purchasing input), or automated (e.g., automatic download of new
issue of periodical based on user subscription data).
[0026] The e-reading device 110 can execute the e-reading component
114 to enable e-reading activities. In one aspect, the e-reading
component 114 can render paginated content from e-books (e.g.,
electronically formatted literary works). Many e-books, such as
literary works which are primarily text-based (e.g., novels) can be
paginated on-the-fly by the e-reading component 114, based on, for
example, a display size of the device and/or font size settings of
the user or device.
[0027] According to some embodiments, the e-reading component 114
can operate in any one of multiple possible operational modes,
including a default mode and a meta guiding mode. However, the meta
guiding mode provides for the user to move his or her finger across
the display screen, and this action can be confused with input,
particularly in cases when the default mode of the computing device
recognizes gesture inputs such as swipes.
[0028] In one implementation, the e-reading device 110 stores data
for implementing a default mode and a meta guiding mode ("MG mode
117"). In the default mode, the e-reading device 110 can process
touch input as determined by a default set of sensor configuration
data 129. When the default set of sensor configuration data 129 are
used, the e-reading device 110 can, for example, detect a library
of different kinds of touch inputs and gestures. However, touch
gestures are generally problematic when meta guiding is being
performed. In particular, if the e-reading device 110 is able to
process gestures (e.g., swipes) and other inputs which maintain
continuous contact of the user's finger over a distance of a
display screen, then implementation of meta guiding mode 117 can
yield inadvertent touch inputs by the user, particular since meta
guiding reading provides for the user move his finger under a line
being read.
[0029] Accordingly, the meta guiding mode 117 can be based on
sensor configuration data 119 which alters or reconfigures the
values that can be obtained from touch sensors provided with the
display assembly of the e-reading device 110. Accordingly, the
values that can be interpreted from the sensor configuration data
129 of the meta guiding mode 117 can be a subset of the touch
inputs available when the default mode is in use. In particular,
the sensor configuration data 129 of the meta guiding mode 117 can
alter or reconfigure the values that can be obtained from the touch
sensors of the display screen, as compared to the default mode. In
one implementation, when operating in the meta guiding mode 117,
the sensor configuration data 119 can disable, or otherwise
eliminate the ability of the e-reading device 110 to interpret
gestures or other touch inputs that are likely to be inadvertently
detected as a result of, for example, the user's finger movement
when performing meta guiding. More generally, gestures such as
swipes provide an example of a continuous and moving contact as
between the user finger or object and the display screen device. In
some variations, the e-reading device 110 replaces touch input
types which are likely to be misinterpreted when the meta guiding
mode is performed by a user. Such touch inputs can be replaced
with, for example, touch inputs which are discrete, such as taps or
double taps. Thus, for example, in the default mode, a gesture such
as a finger swipe can have a programmatic interpretation (e.g.,
page turn), while in the meta guiding mode, the same operation can
be assigned to another input action (e.g., tap or double tap) and
the finger swipe is unassigned or disabled.
[0030] In another implementation, the sensor configuration data 119
can provide for the e-reading device 110 to disable all of the
touch sensor functionality provided to the device as a whole, or
alternatively to the e-reading component 114, so as to preclude the
possibility of inadvertent touch inputs.
[0031] Still further, in some embodiments, the meta guiding mode
117 can be in effect when, for example, the e-reading device 110
executes the e-reading component 114. For example, the meta guiding
mode 117 can be implemented exclusively with operation of the
e-reading component 114.
[0032] With further reference to an example of FIG. 1, the
e-reading device 110 can include a tracking object component 116.
The tracking object component 116 can be implemented as a
standalone application of process, or alternatively as an
integrated process are component of that e-reading component 114.
The tracking object component 116 can optionally generate a graphic
tracking object feature 118 ("GTOF 118") to facilitate meta guiding
reading activity. More specifically, GTOF 118 can move
progressively along the lines of text content for any book or other
text-based content. The use of GTOF 118 provides an alternative to
the use of a finger or object, which requires physical exertion and
coordination by the user. Examples as to how the GTOF 118 can be
implemented is described with a method of FIG. 4, as well as shown
with examples of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.
[0033] Hardware Description
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an e-reading device for use
with one or more embodiments described herein. In an example of
FIG. 2, an e-reading device 200 can correspond to, for example, a
mobile computing device such as shown by an example of FIG. 1.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 2, e-reading device 200 includes a
processor 210, a network interface 220, a display 230, one or more
input mechanisms 240, and a memory 250. The processor 210 can
implement functionality using instructions stored in the memory
250. Additionally, in some implementations, the processor 210
utilizes the network interface 220 to communicate with the network
service 120 (see FIG. 1). More specifically, the e-reading device
200 can access the network service 120 to receive various kinds of
resources (e.g., digital content items such as e-books,
configuration files, account information), as well as to provide
information (e.g., user account information, service requests
etc.). For example, e-reading device 200 can receive application
resources, such as media files (e.g., e-books 221) that the user
elects to purchase or otherwise download from the network service
120. The application resources that are downloaded onto the
e-reading device 200 can be stored in the memory 250.
[0036] In some implementations, the display 230 can correspond to,
for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode
(LED) display that illuminates in order to provide content
generated from processor 210. In some variations, the display 230
can correspond to an electronic paper type display, which mimics
conventional paper in the manner in which they display content.
Examples of such display technologies include electrophoretic
displays, electrowetting displays, and electrofluidic displays.
[0037] In some implementations, the display 230 can be
touch-sensitive. For example, the display 230 can be integrated
with a sensor layer that is comprised of capacitive touch sensors
which trigger with contact to human skin. Alternatively, the
display 230 can include alternative sensor layers, such as
resistive sensors which can detect applied pressure from, for
example, a human finger or stylus.
[0038] The processor 210 can receive input from various sources,
including from input mechanisms 240 (e.g., buttons or switches,
microphone, keyboard), the display 230 (e.g., soft buttons or
virtual keyboard) or other input mechanisms (accessory devices). In
one implementation, the processor 210 can process multi-touch input
detected by the sensor layer provided on the display 230.
[0039] In one aspect, memory 250 stores instructions 225
("e-reading instructions 225") for operating an e-reading
application (e.g., see e-reading component 114 in FIG. 1). The
memory 250 can also store sensor configuration data sets 227 for
implementing different configurations for touch (or contact
sensors) of the display assembly 230. As described with other
examples, the sensor configuration data sets 227 can include each
of a default and alternative configuration data set. Each of the
default and alternative sensor configuration data set can be
utilized in a corresponding mode of operation for the e-reading
device 110.
[0040] According to one aspect, the user can make a mode selection
in regards to the manner in which e-reading activities are
performed. A user can provide a setting or input information to
switch from the default mode to an alternative mode, such as
provided by the meta guiding mode of operation. For example, the
e-reading device 200 can implement a default mode, in which the
default set of sensor configuration parameters are used to
interpret sensor data from the touch sensors of the display
assembly 230. In this mode, a full library of input actions can be
available for different applications and interfaces, including for
the e-reading component 114 (which can be executed by the e-reading
instructions 225). The input actions of the user can be sensed and
interpreted using the default set of configuration parameters,
which then interpret the input actions. By way of example, in the
default mode, gesture input corresponding to a swipe can be
interpreted as a page turn and/or chapter turn.
[0041] The meta guiding mode can be implemented using an
alternative set of sensor configuration parameters 227B. These
parameters can disable or otherwise ignore certain types of touch
input actions, such as swipes or continuous movement on the
displays screen of the display assembly 230. Thus, the available
library of input actions that can be recognized in the meta guiding
mode may be smaller than that of the default mode.
[0042] Furthermore, certain operations which in the default mode
are assigned to a particular type of touch input can be reassigned
to a different type of touch input in the meta guiding mode. In
particular, page and chapter turns can be assigned to input actions
such as taps or double taps, which are distinguishable from the
continuous movement present when meta guiding is being
performed.
[0043] Still further, memory resources 250 can also store
instructions for implementing a graphic tracking object feature
("GTOF 231"). The GTOF instructions 231 can be implemented to
create a programmatic tracking object that simulates or otherwise
performs the function of the user finger when meta guiding is
performed. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B each illustrate examples
for the use of programmatically generated tracking objects to
facilitate meta guiding.
[0044] Device System
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an e-reading system that is capable of
providing a meta guiding mode, according to one or more
embodiments. In particular, a system 300 can provide a meta guiding
mode as an optional mode of operation. The system of 300 can
further be include an e-reading device that provides for a
touch-sensitive display assembly, such as described with an example
of FIG. 2. As described below, a meta guiding mode can be
implemented on the e-reading device of system 300, and the
incidence of inadvertent contact with the display assembly of the
e-reading device can be avoided or significantly mitigated through
alterations to the sensor configurations parameters when meta
guiding is performed. Additionally, some embodiments provide for
computer-assisted meta guiding, in which a graphic tracking object
feature can be generated and used in place of a user finger or
object.
[0046] In more detail, system 300 implements programmatic
components for communicating with one or more network service (such
as network service 120, shown in FIG. 1), as well as for enabling
functionality for viewing and accessing content items (e.g.,
e-books) utilized by an account associated with the e-reading
device 110 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the system 300 can be
implemented as an application that runs on an e-reading device,
such as shown with examples of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. In variations, the
system 300 can be implemented as part of the operating system for
the e-reading device.
[0047] In an example of FIG. 3, system 300 includes a user
interface 310, a memory management module 320, a local memory 330,
and a service interface 340. Some or all of the programmatic
components shown with the computing system 300 can be provided in
part as operating system-level components. Alternatively, the
programmatic components shown with the computing system 300 can be
provided as part of an application or application platform that
runs on, for example, the e-reading device 110 (see FIG. 1). For
example, the user can download an application onto the device that
is operated as the e-reading device 110, in order to obtain
functionality such as described with an example of FIG. 3, as well
as to communicate with the network service 120. Alternatively, an
application can be embedded or otherwise preinstalled with other
programmatic elements for providing functionality such as described
with system 300.
[0048] The service interface 340 includes application logic which
enables the e-reading device 110 to use, for example, a wireless
Internet connection, to connect to the network service 120 (see
FIG. 1). In connecting with the service, the service interface 340
can transmit data that enables the network service 120 to identify
the e-reading device 110 on which system 300 is implemented, so
that the network service 120 can determine the account that is
associated with the particular e-reading device. The service
interface 340 can be used to retrieve e-books 325 from the network
service 120. For example, in identifying the e-reading device 110
of system 300 to the network service 120, the network service may
be able to procure payment information (e.g., stored credit card
information) that can be used to charge the user's account when the
user purchases a new e-book from the service. Each e-book can
correspond to a literary work having a pagination format, such as
provided by literary works (e.g., novels). Other e-books can have
pagination which is statically predetermined, such as in the case
of some periodicals (e.g., magazines, comic books, journals, etc.).
Optionally, some e-books may have chapter designations, as well as
content that corresponds to graphics or images (e.g., such as in
the case of magazines or comic books). Individual e-books 325 also
include metadata 327, such as imagery provided as a cover for the
e-book when the e-book is marketed (e.g. similar to the manner in
which a conventional hardbound book would be marketed in a retail
store). In one implementation, the network service 120 can retrieve
or otherwise identify the imagery and other metadata 327 of
individual e-books from publisher sources.
[0049] In identifying the e-reading device of system 300, the
network service 120 can identify what e-books belong to the account
associated with the particular device. The e-books that are
transmitted to the e-reading device of system 300 can include, for
example, those e-books that are purchased from the device, or those
e-books that the user requested to download. In variations, e-books
can be automatically downloaded to the device in response to
occurrence of certain conditions. For example, the user can
purchase an e-book on another device, and then subsequently connect
to the network service 120 via the e-reading device 110 to
automatically receive their previously purchased e-book. As another
example, network service 120 can be configured to push e-books to
the e-reading device 110 of system 300, based on, for example, user
account settings, subscription plans and rules, and various other
business logic considerations.
[0050] Additionally, the service interface 340 can include
processes for automatically receiving updates from a network
service 120. The update can include programmatic updates, including
updates to software components on the e-reading device 110, as well
as updates to lists, download of e-books that the user may have
purchased on another device of the same account, recommendations
from the network as to what a given user may want to purchase or
view, and/or various other data that can be either generally
provided to the user of the network service or specifically
provided for to the particular account or user.
[0051] According to some embodiments, the local memory 330 stores
each e-book as a record 326 that includes metadata 327 and content
329 (e.g., page content). The memory management module 320 can
include distributed memory resources, such as cache resources
utilized by the e-reading component 308. The memory management
module 320 can retrieve portions of the content 329 for individual
e-books for purpose of rendering e-books via the user interface
310. Additionally, the memory management module 320 can retrieve
metadata 327 to render metadata content (e.g., representations of
e-books or lists of e-books) with the user interface 310.
[0052] In an example of FIG. 3, the user interface 310 of e-book
system 300 includes user interface logic 306 and an e-reading
component 308. The user interface logic provides rules, parameters
and other logic to interpret input for the different modes that can
be implemented on the device of system 300. The e-reading component
308 renders e-books and other text content.
[0053] The e-reading component 308 can include functionality to (i)
render page views 315 from a particular e-book, and (ii) detect
page events 313. The page views 315 can include the content portion
329 of the e-book being read (e.g., opened or rendered). For
example, the e-reading component 308 can display a page view 315
from an e-book corresponding to a novel or periodical, and the page
view may include text and/or image content. The page event 313 can
correspond to, for example, a page turn, a chapter turn, or a
clustered page turn.
[0054] In more detail, the computing device of system 300 enables
the user to specify settings or other input for purpose of
implementing a mode switch 335 when performing e-reading activity.
As described with other examples, the mode switch 335 can switch
the modal operation of the device of system 300 from a default mode
to a meta guiding mode. Under conventional approaches, meta guiding
requires physical effort in the form of the user moving a finger or
object to increase the user's reading speed. However, since a
display assembly of system 300 can be assumed as being touch
sensitive, simple finger tracking (as conventionally performed with
meta guiding) can be problematic because the continuous moving
contact of the finger on the display surface can be inadvertently
interpreted as a gesture input (e.g., finger swipe).
[0055] The mode switch 335 can be triggered by user input, such as
provided through a setting or other input interface. The mode
switch 335 can trigger configuration of the user interface logic
306 using sensor configuration data 355 of the selected mode (e.g.,
meta guiding mode). For example, a set of sensor configuration
parameters for meta guiding ("alternative sensor configuration
parameters 321") can be implemented by the user interface logic
306. As described in greater detail, the sensor configuration
parameters 321 can configure the user interface logic 306 so as to
limit the number of touch input types that can recognized in that
mode. This allows the user to touch the display surface of the
computing device in order to perform meta guiding.
[0056] In one implementation, the user interface logic 306 can
operate in connection with the e-reading component 308. Under
default settings, the user interface logic 306 interprets a full
library of touch inputs and gestures (e.g., swipes), while under
the meta guiding mode, the user interface logic 306 interprets
either (i) a limited number of input actions, while disabling those
gestures and input actions which can sufficiently resemble linear
movement or (ii) disables touch input activity. In the former case,
each of the limited number of input actions that are available in
the meta guiding mode can be assigned to operations that have other
assigned input actions when implemented in the default mode. For
example, page turning can be assigned to (i) a swipe gesture when
the default mode is in operation, and to (ii) a tap or double tap
when meta guiding mode is being implemented. As noted, variations
also provide for disabling the touch input activity entirely,
thereby precluding possibility of inadvertent inputs from, for
example, accidental taps.
[0057] According to one aspect, meta guiding is implemented in part
by changing the manner in which the user interface logic 306
interprets input in connection with activity of e-reading component
308. This change, in and of itself, promotes the ability of the
user to manually perform meta guiding, in that the user is able to
track a finger or object under displayed lines of text, while the
object or finger of the user moves across a touch sensitive display
screen. In variations, computer-generated enhancements can be made
to reduce or eliminate the need for the user to use his finger or
otherwise remain manually involved with meta guiding.
[0058] According to an embodiment, a graphic tracking object
component ("GTOC") 314 can be implemented to virtualize a tracking
object used for meta guiding. In one implementation, mode switch
335 can trigger the GTOC 314 into generating the tracking object
317, which can be rendered with the text through the e-reading
component 308. As an addition or alternative, the initiation of
GTOC 314 can be in response to user selection input.
[0059] The GTOC 314 generates the tracking object 317, which can
graphically be represented as any type of object, such as a graphic
or virtual finger, an underline, or a highlight. The tracking
object 317 can be moved under lines of text being rendered through
the e-reading component 308. One significant characteristic of the
tracking object 317 as implemented can include the velocity of the
tracking object (e.g., the speed of the tracking object, such as
measured by words per minute). In one implementation, the velocity
of the tracking object 317 is set by default, based on, for
example, common usage preferences of a population users. Once set,
the user can provide input 309 through, for example, user interface
logic 306 in order to after the velocity of the tracking object
317. In the variation, the user can be directed to perform a
training process where the user performs a manual meta guiding
session. During the session, an estimation of the velocity needed
for the tracking object 317 can be made based on a finger speed of
the user.
[0060] The manner in which the e-reading component 308 handles page
end can also be one of design or user preference. In one
implementation, the e-reading component 308 can be configured
(e.g., by alternative sensor configuration parameters 321) to
detect and interpret the presence of the tracking object 317 at or
near the last word of a page as being a page turn event. In
response to determining the page turn event, the e-reading
component 308 can automatically perform a page turn.
[0061] In a variation, the e-reading component 308 can perform a
page turn in response to user input, such as in response to a
button press or screen tap. Thus, for example, the tracking object
317 can arrive at the last word of a displayed page, at which point
the e-reading component 308 will wait for the confirmation input
before transition to the next page.
[0062] Among other benefits, an example of FIG. 3 provides a user
with an option to implement meta guiding using a graphical tracking
object feature, thereby reducing or eliminating a need of the user
to maintain a finger on the display screen when performing meta
guiding. As compared to meta guiding with printed books, an example
of FIG. 3 increases user comfort and further allows the user the
ability to multitask. Additionally, the user can exercise a
preference to perform manual meta guiding by guiding his or her
finger across the display screen of the computing device while
viewing rendered content from a selected e-book.
[0063] Methodology
[0064] FIG. 4A illustrates an example method for operating an
e-reading device to provide a meta guiding mode, according to an
embodiment. FIG. 4B illustrates an example method for operating an
e-reading device to provide a meta guiding mode on which a graphic
tracking object feature is provided, according to an embodiment. In
describing example methods of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, reference may be
made to elements of a system of FIG. 1, an e-reading device of FIG.
2, or an e-reading system of FIG. 3, for purpose of illustrating
suitable components for performing a step or sub-step being
described.
[0065] With reference to FIG. 4A, and the reading device is
operated to enable a meta guiding mode (410). The meta guiding mode
can be selected for implementation based on, for example, a user
preference recorded with a setting of the device or e-reading
application (412).
[0066] A set of sensor configuration data can be implemented on the
reading device for use in the meta guiding mode (420). In one
implementation, a processor of the e-reading device can use the
sensor configuration data to disable all touch input that can be
received through a display screen of the device (422).
[0067] In a variation, the processor of the e-reading device can
use the sensor configuration data to disable a select set of touch
inputs that can be received through the display screen (424). In
particular, the touch input that can be disabled include those
inputs which correspond to a continuous movement of the user's
finger across a measurable length of a touch sensitive display
screen.
[0068] As an addition or variation, the processor can implement the
set of sensor configuration parameters to make some or all of the
sensors of the display assembly less sensitive when the meta
guiding mode is implemented (426). This reduces the number of
inadvertent inputs that are detected from manual meta guiding.
[0069] With reference to FIG. 4B, a user finger is tracked when the
user performs meta guiding using the e-reading device 110 (428). An
initial manual meta guiding by the user can serve as a training are
set up process. In particular, the user finger can be tracked to
determine a finger velocity of the user when meta guiding is
performed (432).
[0070] Subsequently, a tracking object feature can be generated on
that e-reading device of the user (440). The tracking object
feature can take one of many possible forms, based on, for example,
a preference of the user. In one implementation, the tracking
object feature corresponds to a digital finger or object such as a
stylus (442). In the variation, the tracking object corresponds to
highlight (444), or an underline (446).
[0071] Once the user begins to read in meta guiding form, the
tracking object can be moved at the velocity determined for the
user (448). If the user prefers a slower or faster speed, the user
can provide input to adjust the velocity (450).
[0072] At the end of each page, a page transition operation can be
performed with the tracking object (460). In one implementation,
once the end of the page is encountered by the tracking object, the
e-reading device 110 waits until a user input is received,
confirming the page transition (462). In another implementation,
once the tracking object approaches or arrives at the end of the
page (e.g., last word), the e-reading device automatically
transitions to the next page (464).
EXAMPLES
[0073] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate examples of tracking objects
for use with an e-reading device that is operable in a meta guiding
mode, according to one or more embodiments. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B,
an e-reading device 500 includes a display screen 510 on which a
page 512 from an e-book is rendered. A tracking object 518, 522 can
be represented graphically in accordance with a preference of a
user or with a system setting. In an example of FIG. 5A, the
tracking object 518 is depicted as a virtual finger, to more
closely simulate the physical act when meta guiding is performed
conventionally (e.g., with a book). In FIG. 5B, the tracking object
522 is provided as a highlight. In other variations, an underline
or other graphic objects can be used to enable the user to track
the lines and words of a page.
[0074] Although illustrative embodiments have been described in
detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings,
variations to specific embodiments and details are encompassed by
this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of embodiments
described herein be defined by claims and their equivalents.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature
described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be
combined with other individually described features, or parts of
other embodiments. Thus, absence of describing combinations should
not preclude the inventor(s) from claiming rights to such
combinations.
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